ROUND 5 PREVIEW: EAGLES READY TO TAKE ON WESTS AT JAMISON OVAL
Tim Gavel headed down to The Nest ahead of Round 5 to catch up with halfback Jayvan Scraff and head coach Tim Davis as the Eagles prepare to take on Wests at Jamison Oval this Saturday.
JAYVAN SCRAFF: FRESH ENERGY AT THE NEST
Young halfback Jayvan Scraff has had quite the journey to Gungahlin. Originally from Townsville, Jayvan crossed paths with head coach Benny Mullen on a Stockman’s Tour to Fiji last year, before heading to England for an off-season adventure. One phone call later and he was on his way to Canberra and he hasn’t looked back.
Jayvan says what’s drawn him in most is the culture the Eagles are building. “It’s actually really refreshing coming into a side where a lot of growth is yet to be had and a lot of guys are going to rip in. Everyone gets around each other. It’s really positive.”
As for what it will take to get the win against Wests on Saturday, Jayvan is clear-eyed about the challenge. “Set piece is obviously crucial. They’re going to be a bigger pack. If we can just find our shape and stick to our structure and trust our process, we’ll see it through to the end.”
And after a few close results to open the season, Jayvan believes the group is right on the verge of turning a corner. “We know we’re there and about to turn a corner and really get on a roll.”
TIM DAVIS: PREPARED, CONNECTED, AND READY TO GO
Head coach Tim Davis echoed that confidence ahead of Saturday’s clash. After a tough Round 3 against the Vikings, Davis says the group has responded well at training and the energy within the squad is in a good place.
“Spirit’s good. Connection’s really strong. The group’s trained really well and prepared well. The energy around what we’re doing is really good.”
The key focus for the week has been set piece and defence particularly with Wests’ well-known physicality up front. “They’re a very big side and very good at executing when they get into your zone. Our focus will be making sure we defend well against that and our set piece is solid.”
On the injury front, the Eagles will be without Jarvis Orr this week due to a shoulder injury, but Davis noted the squad is otherwise unchanged and looking forward to the challenge.
On a more sombre note, both Tim Gavel and Tim Davis acknowledged the tragic loss within the Wests club following an incident last weekend. Davis spoke with genuine care and respect for the wider rugby community. “It’s a very sad time for the Wests community. We’ll do everything we can to support them where we can.”
Watch the full Round 5 preview interview below or watch it on Facebook.
